Neuropeptide Y-Y2 receptors mediate anxiety in the amygdala

The behavioral effects of direct injection of the neuropeptide Y (NPY) Y2 receptor agonist C2-NPY into the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA) was assessed in rats utilizing the social interaction test (SI). C2-NPY decreased SI time in a dose-dependent manner with a significant change observed at a dose of 80 pmol/100 nl. The anxiogenic effects produced by intra-amygdalar C2-NPY injections were reversed with intraperitoneal administration of alprazolam (1 mg/kg), a known anxiolytic. These findings support the hypothesis that Y2 receptors are involved in the regulation of the anxiety response.